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In honor of Black History Month, I decided to review a soundtrack composed by Jazz man Branford Marsalis centered around artist Romare Bearden.  Harry Connick Jr. also contributes with his piano playing. 

 If one common fact ties the work of Romare Beardan together, it comes  from his collages taking inspiration from Jazz music.  In fact, if one studies Beardan, the subject of Jazz always comes up.  The album kicks off with I’m Slappin’ Seventh Avenue.  The shortest track in the entire album has this wonderful fast tempo. 

A truly energetic way to begin.  The horn section have this wonderful rhythm that will have you bop your head as you listen to this song.  Jungle Blues slows the mood down and gives it this languid, sexy feel.

If one could pick a song personify a hot summer day, they would pick this one.  Also a live track, the clapping audience will remind a person of laying on a ground sipping their drink while listening to slow, sexy jazz.  Still skeptical about this song giving off a sensuous feel?  Listen to the horns.  They practically moan.  When they take a break, a piano takes over with a nice solo.  Near the end, the horns try to top each other with their beautiful squealing and squawking.  Can you tell that I love this track? 

Seabreeze calms down the album with its quiet horns, piano, and drums.  Another song to lose oneself in while working.  J Mood, the longest track on the album, continues with a slow pace.  The trumpet does have a spritely execution.  It made me think of a bustling city at night.

 B’s Paris Blues, an original track by Marsalis himself.  Another nice sultry song.  The saxophone, bass, and guitar try to top each other with their solos.  The saxophone wins, in my opinion.  I love the playful yet sensuous element during its two solos.  Doug Wamble’s Autumn Lamp, another favorite of mine, consists of a simple guitar solo.  Has this lovely twang execution to it.  Steppin’ On The Blues picks up the pace again.  Not one of my favorite tracks, but still fun.  Laughin’ and Talkin’ with Higg, the second longest track continues with an energetic uptempo execution.  The only thing this song needed?  A big band singer scatting along.  However,  as in Jungle Blues, the brass section squeal in such a wonderful and appealing way.  The last track, Carolina Shout?  Such a whimsical track with its peppy piano.  A wonderful way to recognize Bearden’s Carolina roots.  In conclusion, if you have a casual enjoyment of Jazz, buy this.

Check out other reviews of this album

http://gerryco23.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/romare-bearden-revealed/